How to answer a problem statement
Two tracks to a solution
Not every national problem requires a new product. Many require a better way of organising, delivering, financing or regulating a service that already exists. Both tracks carry equal standing at every level.
Track A
Track A — Product or Technology
A device, prototype, material, process, software system or engineering solution that can be built, demonstrated and deployed.
Assessed on: Technical soundness, cost, reliability, manufacturability and readiness for field use.
Track B
Track B — Business Model or Governance
A new delivery model, service design, financing mechanism, community institution, process re-engineering, or governance and regulatory innovation.
Assessed on: Institutional feasibility, financial sustainability, ease of adoption by an implementing agency and evidence from a pilot.
Scoring
Common evaluation criteria
Every entry, in either track, is scored against the same six criteria by the evaluation panel.
- 01
Problem clarity
Is the problem observed first-hand, defined precisely and worth solving?
- 02
Originality
What is genuinely new in the approach, given what already exists?
- 03
Demonstrated feasibility
Has it been built, tested or piloted — with evidence?
- 04
Cost
What does one unit or one delivery cycle cost, and who pays?
- 05
Beneficiary impact
Who benefits, how many, and by how much?
- 06
Scalability
Can it be replicated in another district or State without the original team?